Government

News from the Montana Department of Commerce HELENA — The Montana Department of Commerce announced today the launch of a new grant program designed to support rural and tribal agricultural businesses and promote economic diversification across the state. The funding is through Commerce’s Agritourism Grants Program. “This new grant program will help Montana farmers and ranchers expand operations by developing new or enhancing established agritourism revenue streams. Our goal is to create agritourism opportunities with a focus on rural, under-visited and tribal locations and generate tourism revenue that will benefit local economies across the state,” said Paul...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte BILLINGS – Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited with representatives from the HER Campaign to highlight their work to support survivors of human trafficking through residential programs. “Human trafficking is a despicable, heartbreaking crime...

POLSON — To increase transparency and understanding of local government and how it works, the City of Polson hosted a Civics 101 class on Oct. 29.  Polson City Manager Ed Meece prepared a Powerpoint presentation that’s available at the city’s website for those interested who couldn&...

News from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen HELENA — The 2024 General Election is underway. The 2024 General Election officially began Friday for Montana’s military and overseas voters. Meanwhile, absentee ballots will be mailed to eligible absentee voters on Oct. 11. Election Day is Tu...

News from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen HELENA ­- ­­Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen launched the 2024 U.S. Constitution Contest on Tuesday during a Constitution Day celebration at the Montana State Capitol. Constitution Day is celebrated nationwide each Sept. 17 to honor th...

MISSOULA — Montana’s Medicaid expansion program will sunset in 2025, barring its renewal before the Montana Legislature, and its passage is by no means secured ahead of what could be a busy session. State Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, the Republican majority leader in his chamber, said that Medicaid...

News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing potential environmental impacts from the statewide management of grizzly bears.  Issuing the final EIS is a key step in a process tha...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced the launch of the third annual Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest, open to Montana youth and apprentice hunters ages 10 to 17. “Over the last two years, we’ve been inspired by th...

News from the Supreme Court The Judicial Branch is accepting applications through Sept. 30, 2024 for the Chief Water Court Judge. Current Chief Water Court Judge Russ McElyea, who has served the Water Court since 2012, is retiring at the end 2024. The position is appointed by the Chief Justice for the d...

News from CSKT RAVALLI — Lake County and the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT or Tribes) are pleased to announce that the parties have reached a lease agreement for a county-owned parcel in Ravalli in order to give the Tribes’ aquatic invasive species (AIS) watercraft inspecti...